Beef and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for mornings when you need something hearty, satisfying, and full of bold flavor. This all-in-one breakfast bake combines seasoned ground beef, sharp cheddar cheese, fluffy eggs, and bread cubes to create a savory dish that’s easy to prepare and always a hit with family and guests.
At its core, the casserole features a base of cubed bread, day-old or toasted works best, which soaks up a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, forming a creamy, quiche-like texture. Browned ground beef, often seasoned with onions, garlic, salt, and pepper, adds protein and richness. The cheddar cheese brings a sharp, melty element that pairs perfectly with the beef, adding depth and creaminess to every bite.
Optional ingredients like diced bell peppers, green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce can be added for extra flavor and texture. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until golden on top and cooked through in the center, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is convenient.
One of the biggest advantages of this breakfast casserole is that it can be prepared the night before and baked in the morning, making it ideal for busy weekdays, holidays, or brunch gatherings. It also reheats well, so leftovers can easily be enjoyed the next day.
Serve it on its own or with a side of fresh fruit, hash browns, or toast for a complete breakfast. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something filling and delicious to start your day, Beef and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole checks all the boxes.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- onion small, diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 slices bread crusts removed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 eggs large
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp thyme dried
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Place 3 slices of bread in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked ground beef, half of the sautéed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Pour the egg mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
I made this casserole for brunch and everyone loved it! So delicious and filling. Will definitely make it again!
So glad it turned out great for you! I love how filling it is too. Perfect for brunch!
Meh. I expected more flavor. Adding hot sauce does help tho.
This tasted good, but mine was a little dry. I baked closer to 40 minutes and next time I’ll pull it at 35 or tent with foil.
Hmm I’m surprised it got dry—mine always stays pretty moist around 35-37. Maybe your milk/egg mix needed a bit more? Still, good call on checking earlier.
Glad you liked it! Dry casseroles usually mean it went a bit too long or the bread soaked up more liquid—your 35-min idea/tent with foil sounds spot on.
Not enough flavor for me. Maybe add more spices next time.
Tasted good, but the prep was a bit much. I just want a quick meal in the morn.
I was worried it would be too eggy, but it turned out nicely set and not rubbery. The bread layers help a lot. Would recommend letting it cool like it says.
Mine turned out a bit bland even with the salt/pepper. I think my cheddar was mild? Next time I’ll use sharp cheddar or add some mustard.
Totally feel you—cheddar makes or breaks this. Mild cheddar can definitely leave it tasting flat. Sharp cheddar + a tiny pinch more salt usually fixes it for me.
This is a little too heavy for me. Like, it’s good, but the amount of cheese + eggs makes it feel super rich. Would eat it, just not all the time.
Hmm I dunno, 2 cups cheese + 6 eggs is kinda the whole point tho 😅 But yeah if you’re not a heavy-cheese person, it’ll feel too rich. Maybe serve with something acidic or fresh on the side?
Totally get that—this one’s definitely a “brunch splurge” casserole. I usually cut the eggs down to 4 or go lighter on the cheese (like 1 to 1 1/2 cups) and it still tastes great.
The eggs made it too watery. I followed the recipe exactly and it was all mushy!
Sounds like you might have added too much milk or eggs. They can make it soggy! Next time, maybe try reducing one of those? Just a thought!
Wow, comfort food level: 10/10. I used smoked paprika instead of regular and it gave this nice bacon-y vibe without bacon.
That bacon-y vibe sounds awesome—smoked paprika is the move. I might try it next time with just a tiny bit more paprika so it really pops.
I don’t know… smoked paprika can be pretty strong. I’d be worried it overpowers the cheddar and eggs. But hey, if you said it’s 10/10 comfort food then maybe I’m wrong 😅
I’m skeptical about mixing bread slices like that—mine got kinda soggy. Flavor was decent though, so I ate it anyway.
It was ok, but I felt like it needed something else…maybe some more spices?
Not gonna lie, I’m skeptical about 6 slices bread for a 9×13—felt like a lot of bread. But the end result was actually balanced.
Yum! Perfect for breakfast or brunch. I added some hot sauce on top and it was so good.
Made this for brunch and everyone was stuffed! Love the cheese.
350°F for 35-40 minutes is way too short—eggs usually need more time than that, right? Mine was kinda runny in the middle even after. Would only do it again if I test doneness more carefully.
I accidentally left the crusts on (oops). It still worked, but the texture was chewier than I wanted. Sauce-wise it’s on point.
Beef and cheese for breakfast? Heck yeah!!! This is my new fave!
I followed it but my veggies didn’t soften as much as expected. Next time I’ll cook the onion/pepper longer. Flavor was okay, eggs came out a bit dense.
This casserole is a game changer for breakfast! My family loved it.
I agree! This recipe is so good, my kids actually ate their veggies. Win-win!
Me & my kids loved it!! Even my picky eater tried it!
That’s awesome! It’s always a win when picky eaters try something new. Mine loved it too!
Looks good, but my kids would never touch that. They are so fussy!
Best breakfast ever! I added some hot sauce and it was fantastic!
Eh, it was fine. Not the best I’ve had, but not the worst either. Just meh.
Made this for brunch and it was gone fast. The cheddar + paprika combo is *chef’s kiss*. Next time I’ll add a little hot sauce on my plate.
Pretty solid. I used turkey instead of beef and it still worked, just less rich. Cook time was spot on for me at 37 minutes.
Not bad, but mine didn’t really “set” after 40 minutes. I think my eggs were from a smaller carton? Still tasted good though.
This was amazing! My family devoured it in no time. Will definitely make again!
So happy to hear that! It really is a crowd-pleaser. What do you think you’ll add next time?
This is my kinda recipe, but I’d add some breakfast sausage… unless that changes everything. Also 350°F seems low but it turned out fine.
Meh. It wasn’t that special, just a dish with beef and eggs. Kinda basic.
Made this for brunch and it disappeared fast. The cheddar + spices really hit, and the 9×13 size was perfect for our group.
This casserole was a hit at our brunch! Super cheesy and filling.
So good. Easy!
Right?! I made this on a busy morning and it still turned out great—super comforting and not fussy.
Easy for sure, but I think 35 minutes is a little short for my oven. I usually bake closer to 45 so it actually sets.
This recipe is amazing! It tastes so good and my family loved it.
Casserole? I thought it was a sandwich, lol! Anyway, looks easy.
This is comfort food. Also my kids ate it without complaining (rare!). Next time I’m adding mushrooms because that seems like a good idea.
Bland. Needs more seasoning!! I added hot sauce and that helped a lot.
I thought it was perfect! Sometimes less is more. Can’t believe you found it bland!
I don’t know, I kinda liked it how it was. Maybe you just need to get used to less seasoning?
I made this but forgot the onion… not sure if it was as good without it.
Missing the onion must’ve changed the flavor a lot! I usually can’t live without it in casseroles.
I followed the recipe but it came out too soggy, any tips?
This is a fantastic recipe! Loved the combination of beef and cheese. My kids devoured it!
Not sure about the thyme + oregano combo in a breakfast casserole… kind of tastes like I accidentally made something Italian. Would still eat it, but I’d tweak it.
I tried making this but it came out really dry. I think I needed more milk. Will add more next time.
Very bland for me… I had to double the black pepper and add more salt. Also my top got golden brown way before it was set so I covered it with foil halfway.
I like the concept, but I think 1 lb ground beef is a bit much for a 9×13 if you’re not using extra cheese too. Still tasted good though—would maybe use 3-4 slices bread instead of 6 for a less bready texture.
I don’t eat beef, can I use turkey instead? Is it still gonna taste the same??
Yeah, you can definitely use turkey instead of beef! It might change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be good. Just make sure to season it well!
I dunno, turkey tastes like nothing to me. Wouldn’t it be bland? Might as well just eat cardboard…
Followed it step by step. But forgot the thyme and still turned out tasty! Reminder to read carefully next time.
Easy to make and my kids ate it without complaining! Thanks!
Really easy to make but the bread got too soggy for my taste. Maybe cut back on the milk?
Casseroles are the best. But why do they take so long to cook?!
Totally agree! Casseroles are amazing but I always feel like I have to wait forever. Maybe they need a speed up button? 😂
Why does it take so long? I dunno, maybe it’s the layers? But, it’s worth it for the yumminess at the end!
This casserole was amazing! A perfect way to start the day. My whole family loved it.
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! This is a go-to recipe for me on busy mornings.
Tasty! This recipe is super easy. Would make again for sure! 🌟
I don’t know, it turned out kind of bland. I expected more flavor with all those spices.
Great recipe! I added some hot sauce for a kick. Yum! Will make again.
Never thought beef for breakfast! But wow, this is delicious. Gonna make it again.
Followed it pretty much exactly—except I used smoked paprika. Came out golden and set perfectly. Definitely keeping this for weekends.
Okay, but my family thought it was too cheesy. Next time, less cheese!
Followed it pretty much exactly, but mine took closer to 45 minutes to set. Still turned out great—family went back for seconds.
Good to hear! 45 minutes makes sense—ovens vary a lot. Glad it still set up and everyone went back for seconds 😄
The prep is simple, but dicing everything took me forever. If you’re short on time, I’d use frozen diced onions/peppers maybe.
Frozen diced onions/peppers would totally work—just make sure you don’t dump in a ton of ice/melted liquid so the casserole doesn’t get watery.
Not bad, but mine was a little bland. I think my cheddar wasn’t salty enough, and I might increase the paprika/pepper. The instructions are clear though.
Easy to make and really filling! Will definitely make it again.
I followed the recipe but it came out too dry. Any tips?
Casseroles are simple! But why bread? I think it could’ve been better without it 🤔
I personally think the bread adds a nice texture! But I get your point, some things might taste better without bread. 🤷♀️
The flavors are good, but 6 slices of bread feels kinda random—like how thick? Mine soaked up more than I expected. Still tasty though!
Yeah the 6 slices part always makes me pause too 😅 I used thick-cut sandwich bread once and it got weirdly soggy. I think standard “sandwich” thickness works best—like ~1/2 inch max? Otherwise you gotta adjust.
This was amazing! My kids loved it and I will definitely make it again. 🙌
Not bad, but my casserole was a bit dry even though I checked at 35 minutes. Maybe my bread was too thick? Also, I think 9×13 might be a little big for the amount?
I followed it but my casserole didn’t get super golden on top—more like pale and wet. Could be my oven or I needed more bake time. Still tasted good, just looked meh.
I love beef and cheese, this is the best combination evr!!!
This was surprisingly hearty for breakfast. The cheddar gets all melty and the seasoning (paprika/thyme) makes it taste way more “put together” than I expected.
Why does it say remove the crusts? I didn’t and honestly it was fine. The casserole still tasted great, just more rustic texture. Easy recipe though.
Good point. I’ve skipped crusts before too—doesn’t ruin it, just changes the texture a bit. I guess they’re trying to make it more smooth/even so the bread absorbs more evenly.
I don’t get why crusts need to come off… mine always tastes fine with them on. Maybe the crust gets too chewy? Either way, glad it worked for you. 😅
WOW! Love it. 😍
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it. 😋
Too much beef for me. I would prefer less meat or maybe add some veggies instead. Idk.
I totally agree! I like meat, but sometimes it gets overwhelming. Veggies would make it more balanced.
Less meat? But that’s what makes it good, duh! You can’t have a beef casserole without beef!
I think 6 eggs is too much… I used only 4 and was fine!
Why bread in the casserole? Seems unnecessary to me. Just beef and eggs would be better.
I think you mixed up the instructions? Do you really need to sauté the veggies?
Sounds good! But can I use turkey instead of beef?
I’m not usually a breakfast casserole person, but this one actually works. The veggies soften perfectly. Would be awesome with hot sauce on top.
I’m skeptical about 6 slices bread (no soaking) + 1 cup milk… won’t it dry out? I’d try cubing the bread or adding a little more milk. Hot sauce though—agree.
Yes! I’ve made breakfast casseroles before but most come out soggy. This sounds like the veggies actually stay nice—plus hot sauce on top is the move 🔥
Pretty solid! I used a little more pepper than the recipe and baked it 5 min longer since mine was still jiggly. Tasted amazing though.
I think it needs more salt honestly. Also I used sharp cheddar and it was a little too strong for me, but my partner loved it.
Totally get it—if your cheddar was already salty, 1 tsp might not be enough depending on brand. Next time I’d start with a pinch more salt and taste the egg mixture before pouring it in.
Sharp cheddar can be intense, yeah. I think using a milder cheddar or even mixing sharp + mild would balance it out. Your partner’s got good taste though 😄
Tried this for Sunday brunch and it came out so hearty. The cheddar + paprika combo is *chef’s kiss*. Only thing I’d do next time is add a little hot sauce on top.
I don’t know about the thyme. Isn’t that more for chicken? But whatever, I tried it anyway.
I followed the recipe but it turned out too soggy. Not sure what went wrong.
I used turkey instead of beef and it turned out great. 👍
Ah, forgot the paprika! It didn’t taste right. 🙁
Okay but where’s the “crusts removed” part—my bread was already crustless and I’m still confused lol. Either way it tasted great, even my picky roommate ate seconds.
Good point! The recipe assumes you’re starting with regular bread, so it says “crusts removed.” If yours was already crustless, you can just skip that step—no changes needed.
Not gonna lie, mine got a little watery even after baking. I suspect the milk/egg ratio? Next time I’ll try letting the veggies cook longer to drive off moisture. Flavor was decent!
I get what you mean—veggies hold a lot of moisture. I usually cook them until they look a bit dry/unglossy before layering, and it cuts down on the watery pools a ton.
Made this for brunch and it disappeared fast. The paprika/thyme combo is perfect with the cheddar. I used a little extra onion and it was still great.
I don’t eat beef, so I replaced it with turkey and it worked great!
Not sure about the bread-to-egg ratio… mine ended up kind of soggy in the middle. Maybe my bread was too fresh? Would try again with toasted bread.
Totally agree—my first one was a bit soggy too. I started toasting the bread lightly (or even using day-old bread) and it fixed it for me. Also make sure you’re baking until it’s really set in the middle.
Hmm maybe 35-40 min wasn’t enough for you? I usually go closer to 45 and it firms up. Fresh bread sounds plausible though—toast it next time and maybe cut the milk a splash down.
Was skeptical at first, but this turned out pretty good. Not my favorite but not bad either.
Skeptical? This recipe is a classic! Don’t you think it could be better with a different cheese or maybe some veggies?
I’m glad it turned out good for you! Casseroles can be hit or miss. I personally love adding some hot sauce on top!
I followed it exactly but the top didn’t get super golden. Still tasted good though. Covering loosely with foil halfway might help?
Golden top is overrated imo. Mine never gets super brown at 350 either—tastes great every time.
Yeah, foil halfway is a good idea. I usually notice the top needs a little extra time or it browns unevenly depending on the oven.
Pretty tasty, though I accidentally used more milk than 1 cup (oops). Still worked, just needed a couple extra minutes to firm up. Would recommend!
Why is there so much cheese? It was too cheesy for my liking.
The idea is great, but my casserole didn’t really “set” until I baked it like 10 minutes longer. Could be my dish size, but watch it.
Yummy! Just made it this morning and everyone is so happy :D!
Honestly, super solid recipe. Followed it pretty much exactly, and the bake time (about 38 min) was spot on. Next time I might add some hot sauce to the egg mix.
Not sure about the thyme/oregano combo with breakfast—kind of medicinal? Maybe I’m using the wrong spices, but it didn’t wow me.
I get what you mean—dried thyme/oregano can come off a little “herby” or medicinal in breakfast dishes. I’ve found using half the amount helps a lot, or subbing with a pinch of Italian seasoning.
I’m not sure about removing the bread crusts—seemed like extra work for basically the same result. Still good, just not life-changing.
I get what you mean. I tried it both ways and it’s honestly pretty similar—crusts just add a little texture. I remove them only when I want it more uniform.
Interesting—mine came out way better without crusts because the bread actually soaks up the egg/milk more evenly. But yeah, it is extra work 😅
Made this for brunch and it was a hit. The paprika + cheddar combo is unreal, and it came out perfectly set at 38 minutes. I’ll definitely make it again.
I don’t know… it looks kinda messy to me. Not sure if I would make it.
Good but took way too long to bake! 35-40 mins felt like forever.
I accidentally put the cheese in between every layer and it was probably better? The egg custard held everything together nicely. Would recommend.
It was ok. A bit too much beef for my taste, but otherwise, decent.
My kids devoured this! Super easy and quick to make. Will definitely make again!!
So glad to hear that! It’s always nice when the kids love what you cook. What did you serve it with?
Uh, quick? It feels like it takes a lot of steps. Did you really finish it in under 40 minutes?
Simple enough for a weekmorning. The veggies stayed nice and the egg bake set perfectly. Would definitely make again.
Really solid recipe. My oven took closer to 45 minutes for the center to set, but the flavor was great. Would recommend letting it cool longer than “a few minutes”.
Honestly sounds really hearty. I like that it’s basically a grab-and-bake kind of breakfast. Might add some hot sauce for a kick.
Honestly, what kind of person eats casserole for breakfast? Just weird.
Beef and cheddar?? breakfast casserole?? I’m obsessed. Also the timing was spot on—no drama, just yummy.
It looked good, but I thought it was too greasy. Maybe leaner beef would help? 🥴
Honestly, super easy and comforting. I like that it’s basically a meal prep situation. I might add mushrooms next time for extra umami.
Totally agree—this is the definition of comforting. Love that it makes meal prep feel effortless. I bet mushrooms would be amazing with the cheddar.
I didn’t have some spices, but I used hot sauce instead and it turned out great!
That’s awesome! Hot sauce adds a nice kick! My family loved it too.
But hot sauce instead of spices? Isn’t that too spicy? I don’t think that would work for everyone.
This was awesome! My kids loved it!
Absolutely loved this! My whole family devoured it for breakfast. Will make again!
This is like a breakfast in a dish! I love how the bread gets all soaked. Yummy!
Honestly, I’m not a great cook. But I tried this and it turned out okay. 👍
Why bread AND cheese? Seems like it would be heavy. I tried it once and it was just okay—won’t repeat.
Pretty solid. I used a sharp cheddar and added a little hot sauce for kick. Next time I might sauté the veggies a bit longer so they’re softer, but flavor was great.
Is this recipe actually healthy?? I think it’s too much cheese.
Yum!! Cheese overload, just how I like it!
Easy recipe but I think there are too many eggs. My casserole came out too eggy for my taste.
This casserole is a game changer for breakfast! So cheesy and filling. My family loved it!